Name: Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup (12 Tbsp; 170g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature; 3/4 cup (150g) packed light or dark brown sugar (dark preferred); 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar; 1 large egg, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled); 2 teaspoons cornstarch (cornflour); 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3/4 cup (135g) white chocolate chips, plus extra for garnish; 1 cup (140g) dried cranberries, plus extra for garnish

There is something truly magical about these Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe that makes you feel instantly delighted with each bite. Imagine soft, chewy cookies packed with sweet bursts from luscious white chocolate chips and tangy dried cranberries, all wrapped in a buttery, perfectly tender dough. These cookies strike the ultimate balance between classic comfort and surprising sophistication, making them a must-have recipe for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings. If you’re searching for a treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, you’re in the right place!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two parts: on the left side, a clear glass bowl filled with cookie dough that has a rough texture with visible bits of dark chocolate and red dried cranberries mixed throughout. The dough looks soft and chunky with a light beige color. On the right side, a silver cookie scoop holds a rounded ball of the same cookie dough, showing the same mix of chocolate and cranberries. Both parts are placed on a light pink surface with a soft, even tone. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a unique role—from rich butter creating tender softness to the tart cranberries adding depth and a pop of flavor. These essentials come together effortlessly, promising incredible results every time.

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature: The foundation that gives your cookies that soft, rich texture.
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar: Adds moisture and a deep caramel-like sweetness.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with perfect spreading.
1 large egg, at room temperature: Binds the dough while contributing to that tender bite.
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors with natural warmth.
2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled): Provides structure without heaviness.
2 teaspoons cornstarch (cornflour): Keeps the cookies incredibly soft and tender.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cookies rise just enough for fluffiness.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and boosts flavor complexity.
3/4 cup white chocolate chips, plus extra for garnish: Melts into creamy pockets of sweetness.
1 cup dried cranberries, plus extra for garnish: Tart gems that brighten every bite.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe

Step 1: Cream Butter and Sugars

Start by beating the softened butter with both brown and granulated sugars until you reach a creamy, light mixture. This process is key because it incorporates air, giving your cookies that irresistible softness and slight rise. Mixing in the egg and vanilla right afterward blends everything into a smooth, fragrant base. Trust me, this is where the magic begins.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking soda, and salt in a separate bowl. These dry components work their magic by providing structure, tenderness, and just enough lift. Slowly mixing them into the wet ingredients ensures you don’t overwork the dough, keeping the texture soft, not tough.

Step 3: Fold in White Chocolate Chips and Dried Cranberries

This is the fun part! Gently fold in the white chocolate chips and dried cranberries so they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. These ingredients bring bursts of sweetness and tartness that complement each other beautifully. Cover the dough and chill for at least an hour—this step is essential to keep the cookies from spreading too thin during baking.

Step 4: Prepare the Dough for Baking

After chilling, if your dough feels too firm, let it sit at room temperature to soften a little—it makes scooping a breeze. Next, preheat your oven and line your baking sheets to ensure even baking and effortless cleanup. Scooping about 1.5 tablespoons of dough per cookie and spacing them apart ensures perfect rounded, soft cookies.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pop your cookies into the oven for about 11 to 12 minutes until the edges are just turning golden but the centers still look soft. This is the sweet spot where cookies finish baking on your sheet, resulting in that coveted soft-baked texture. For extra flair, press a few more white chocolate chips and cranberries on top of the warm cookies right after baking for a gorgeous finish.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Let your cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes so they set without losing their softness, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. This step ensures that each bite melts in your mouth just right. If you’re anything like me, you’ll have trouble not sneaking one while they’re still warm!

How to Serve Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe

The image shows a baking tray with a white silicone baking mat that has an orange border. On the mat, there are six small round balls of cookie dough, spaced evenly apart. The dough is light beige with visible pieces of dried fruit and white chocolate chunks mixed inside. The tray rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While these cookies are stunning as-is, adding a few extra white chocolate chips and dried cranberries on top straight from the oven makes them look irresistible. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a delicate, festive touch, perfect for holiday gatherings or afternoon tea.

Side Dishes

These cookies pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, herbal tea, or even a glass of cold milk for a nostalgic treat. For a decadent twist, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate this already luscious dessert into an indulgent experience.

Creative Ways to Present

For a playful presentation, stack the cookies and tie them with a pretty ribbon for gift-giving or party favors. Alternatively, sandwich two cookies together with a smear of cream cheese frosting or marshmallow fluff for a delightful treat that everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once baked and cooled, store your Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay fresh and soft for up to one week, making them perfect for meal prep or a week’s worth of sweet indulgence.

Freezing

You can also freeze the cookie dough before baking. Just scoop the dough balls onto a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. This method lets you enjoy freshly baked cookies whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked softness, warm your cookies in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for 3-5 minutes. This brings back that tender, melty goodness you can’t resist.

FAQs

Can I substitute dried cranberries with fresh cranberries?

Fresh cranberries tend to have more moisture and can change the cookie texture, making them less chewy. Dried cranberries are ideal for this recipe because they provide tart bursts without extra moisture, keeping the cookies tender but stable.

What if I don’t have cornstarch? Can I skip it?

Cornstarch is important for giving the cookies their signature softness. If you don’t have it, you can try substituting with an equal amount of arrowroot powder or potato starch. Skipping it altogether might result in firmer cookies.

How long should I chill the dough for?

Chilling for at least 1 hour is crucial to prevent cookies from over-spreading and to develop flavor. You can chill the dough up to 3 or 4 days ahead for convenience. Just bring the dough to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking if chilled longer.

Why are my cookies spreading too much?

This usually happens if the dough is too warm or if you didn’t chill it enough. Make sure your dough is well chilled before baking, and try chilling the baking sheet itself too. Using room-temperature butter rather than melted butter is also key to controlling spread.

Can I use white chocolate chunks instead of chips?

Absolutely! White chocolate chunks work beautifully and create gooey pockets of sweetness. Just keep the quantity the same and enjoy the slightly varied texture they offer.

Final Thoughts

Making this Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a cozy, sweet hug. The tender texture combined with bursts of fruity tartness and creamy white chocolate is downright addictive. Whether you’re baking for special occasions or a casual treat, these cookies never fail to impress. I can’t wait for you to try them and make these joyful bites a beloved staple in your kitchen!

Soft-Baked White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need